While Remembrance Day is most often associated with the sacrifice of our soldiers, history also holds powerful accounts of animals who stood with them in times of conflict.
Recently, the GTHS was given access to a collection of archived news coverage detailing the involvement of animals in WWI and WWII. Their service, from WWI to today, is rarely discussed, yet their contributions are significant.
Service animals in war filled many roles, from transportation to delivering communications, and providing troops with much-needed companionship and boosting morale.
Conditions were harsh, and animals that served faced the same risks as soldiers. Horses navigated muddy trenches, mules carried artillery and supplies, carrier pigeons had a critical role in communications, and dogs were used in search and rescue, medical assistance, detecting explosives, and delivering messages. Dogs provide a particularly important role in modern-day military operations, involved in rescue and recovery operations, and providing critical support to service members experiencing PTSD as therapy dogs.
The Animals in War Dedication is located in Confederation Park in Ottawa, honouring the contributions of animals alongside memorials for other wars. It is inscribed with the following:
“For centuries, animals have demonstrated an enduring partnership with humans during times of war. They have served as means of transportation, beasts of burden, messengers, protectors and mascots. Still today, dogs use their unique, sharply tuned instincts to detect mine clusters, and conduct search and rescue operations. We remember the contribution and sacrifice of all animals.”
On November 11th, we recognize the service and sacrifice of our troops and the animals that served alongside them.
Special thank you to Lee Anning for providing us access to his photo archive.
Click on the pictures below for full view.
